So I've taken some of the advice from the last post, and came up with this new version of my personal statement. It does a better job in relaying the attributes that I feel are important for success in law school than the last (which can be found here for anyone who wants to compare viewtopic.php?f=18&t=142318), but losing some of the story element I think. I'm thinking that if I find a way to blend the two, it may be a more complete PS. Any critiques, suggestions, agreements, etcetera etcetera will be greatly appreciated and I have no problem returning the favor, by looking over your PS.

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It’s become virtually routine by now. At five o’clock in the morning my alarm clock stirs me awake, long before the sun first breaks over the horizon. After a few groggy moments, I grab my shoes, tie the laces tight, and step outside for my run.

My mornings didn’t always start out this way. It wasn’t until four years ago that I decided to go for my first run. By nature I have always been a competitive and aggressive individual, playing soccer as a youth and later football. Despite my athletic pursuits though I was always a reluctant runner.

When my final year of football had ended I no longer had any form of competitive outlet. After a few months I became restless. Looking for any answer, I took the advice of my soon-to-be brother-in-law decided to venture out on my first run: a seemingly easy two miles. However, as a former defensive end, I did not possess the typical body of a long distance runner nor the aerobic capacity to carry me through to the finish. By the time I had ran a mile, I was bent at the waist, gasping for air in a futile attempt to quell the burning in my chest.

Failing to finish the two miles was a humbling experience. Until that point, I had been able to rely on natural ability in most areas of my life. The feeling that I couldn’t complete the two miles did not sit well with me. I made it my goal to continue running until I could cover the distance without stopping. The true goal though, proved to be bettering myself each day because I’ve been running ever since: constantly searching for improvement from one run to the next.

Racing has naturally evolved from my desire of constant betterment. I have ran in numerous five kilometer races, several ten kilometer races, one half marathon, and I have a marathon scheduled for the near future. Running those races has taught me the importance of preparation and the commitment to training.

Training for a race requires more than just running on smooth flat surfaces in pleasant weather at civilized hours of the day. Every run presents a challenge: scorching heat, blustery wind, icy snow storms, searing tempo. Determination and discipline to, despite everything, consistently push through are key to being prepared come race day.

Running is inherently an individual sport, but it can become easier when done in the company of others. For some races, I’ve trained with a group, and in doing so garnered valuable experience in leadership. Effective leadership, requires the understanding that you can’t and shouldn’t do everything yourself: surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals all working towards the same goal is paramount.

My routine doesn’t change when I don’t have a race scheduled. The time I spend running is physically taxing yet mentally calming. It’s on these borders of pain and exhaustion that I achieve clarity of sorts. It was while running I decided to attend law school, when I came to terms with my mother’s deteriorating condition from multiple sclerosis, and where I constantly deal with the stress associated with planning and financing my coming wedding.

On my résumé, running is only listed as an interest: in actuality it is much more. This classification doesn’t quantify or do justice to the lessons that it has taught me. Through it I have learned a great deal in humility, confidence, determination, perseverance, discipline, and leadership.

The experiences and lessons I have learned through my running do not remain independent of my life: instead, they help shape it. Supplied with the knowledge afforded by running, I am confident in my ability to meet any challenges that lie ahead of me.